The multiple uses and prospects of green liquid fuels, the challenges that arise as well as the role that green liquid fuels will be called to play in the energy transition - especially in Industry and Transport - were discussed extensively at the two-day online conference "Green Liquid Fuels of the Future”, held by the Institute of Energy for South-East Europe (IENE) on 11 and 12 February 2021, with the Leading Sponsorship of Hellenic Petroleum SA.
At the conference, important representatives of the political leadership and the business world from Greece and abroad discussed a wide range of issues related to liquid fuels. The conference covered a diverge range of topics spanning from the pollical context, as set by the European Green Deal and the climate neutrality targets of 2050, to the decarbonization of industry, the transformation of road transport and the energy future of shipping and air transport. Rising to the challenge of the conference speakers were able to present a particularly comprehensive picture of developments around energy fuels and the dynamic environment that is taking shape.
At the conference, important representatives of the political leadership and the business world from Greece and abroad discussed a wide range of issues related to liquid fuels. The conference covered a diverge range of topics spanning from the pollical context, as set by the European Green Deal and the climate neutrality targets of 2050, to the decarbonization of industry, the transformation of road transport and the energy future of shipping and air transport. Rising to the challenge of the conference speakers were able to present a particularly comprehensive picture of developments around energy fuels and the dynamic environment that is taking shape.
The conference was addressed by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Constantinos Skrekas and the Chairman of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), George Stasinos, while addresses were made by the Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister on Energy, Climate and Circular Economy, Dr. George Kremlis and the Deputy Minister for Transport Affairs of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Giannis Kefalogiannis. Also, representatives of some of the most important companies in Greece and worldwide, from the Energy Industry, Road and Air Transport and the Shipping sectors participated in the conference. These included BP UK, REPSOL, TOTAL, OMV, NESTE and the leading European organizations in the industry, FuelsEurope and UPEI as well as emblematic Greek groups such as Hellenic Petroleum SA, Aegean Airlines, Motor Oil Hellas and ELINOIL.
A common point stressed by all speakers was that green liquid fuels are not just a matter for future debate, but they concern the present, as they are considered essential to the transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050, as envisaged by European Union targets. New, green fuels play a key role in the decarbonization of industrial production, by providing the basic fuel for the European transport sector while retaining the advantages of traditional liquid fuels and providing significant social and economic benefits. The contribution of green liquid fuels to decarbonization is expected to be crucial, especially in aviation, shipping and heavy road transport, for which these no technological alternatives, while enhancing energy security, reducing energy dependence from imports. Although we expect that demand for liquid fuels in Europe will gradually decrease over time due to the higher energy efficiency of traditional engines, but also the greater penetration of electric and hybrid vehicles, nevertheless, liquid fuels will remain at the top of demand for all types of transport. In addition, green liquid fuels provide consumers with a choice, making the transition to a climate-neutral economy accessible to all and making a decisive contribution to the development of European society and the economy.
Upon completion of this latest event the Chairman and Executive Director of IENE, Costis Stambolis, stressed: "The" Green Liquid Fuels of the Future" conference was an excellent opportunity to discuss and reflect on the present and future of liquid fuels. The Conference brought together through in its various "panels" people who hold leading positions in politics and business, thanks to whose enlightening positions we were able to draw very interesting conclusions and map the dynamic landscape formed by green liquid fuels. We are deeply pleased that this event attracted the interest of hundreds of users who attended the livestreaming discussions, and we remain committed to our mission, to act as a tank of knowledge, reflection and information on energy issues in Greece and Southeast Europe”.
The conference was held with the Leading Sponsorship of Hellenic Petroleum SA, while Motor Oil Hellas SA was also a sponsor to the event. Media sponsors were the European newspaper New Europe and the energy site Energia.gr.
